Colette

Colette, a California native, has danced since she was a toddler. When she started working with The Short List in her junior year, she knew she wanted dance to play a role in her life post-high school but was unsure of what that would look like. She was deciding between attending college, a conservatory, or joining a dance company, so we helped her explore all three options. After extensive research, she created a list of colleges and conservatories with ballet and contemporary programs, as well as a few dance companies as potential backups. She knew each path would be highly competitive, but she was ready for the challenge.

Applying for performing arts programs required not only completing school applications but also creating extensive artistic portfolios and managing a rigorous audition schedule. On top of that, she squeezed in campus visits when possible. The Short List helped her implement systems to track each program’s requirements, deadlines, and ways to demonstrate interest. Colette diligently completed one artistic review after another, adjusting videos and essays to meet different schools’ specific requirements. Her perseverance and organization were crucial as she navigated a lengthy application process long after her peers had finished and submitted all their applications.

We often joked, “With your talent, 90% of this process is staying organized.” And it was true. Thanks to her talent and focus, Colette was accepted into numerous BFA programs, including the highly sought-after University of California programs.

However, after an impressive visit, she chose The Boston Conservatory at Berklee and its renowned Contemporary Dance Performance program. We are thrilled for Colette and excited to see where her dedication to dance takes her.